Plan Your Nice Holiday: Best of Nice
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The best rooftop bars to watch the sunset in Nice
- Farago On The Roof196If chic hotel pool vibes are your thing, this is the place. Stunning views, hearty tapas, and festive live music make this a place I love recommending to first-timers. To avoid being disappointed, make sure to reserve a table overlooking the ocean for the ultimate happy hour. And if you’re travelling with children, like I often do, rest assured that this is one bar that’s family-friendly and even has a children' menu to please picky eaters.
- Calade Rooftop Restaurant237The rooftop restaurant topping the Radisson Blu boasts a prime location overlooking the Promenade des Anglais, offering breathtaking views of the impossibly blue water from the dining room and the narrow terrace outside. If wine isn’t your thing, they also have delicious signature cocktails, like my personal favourite, the Madeline (with amaretto, triple sec, and pineapple juice). Pair your drink with the oven-baked camembert and you’ll feel that all is right with the world.
- Le Plongeoir1,729This bar is a little off the beaten path, sitting on the edge of the port, but I always recommend it for its one-of-a-kind, over-the-water experience. It’s definitely an Instagram-ready spot, so I’d recommend going here for a glass of wine and an starter and then heading out to dinner elsewhere. It’s just a short drive (or a long walk) to get here. Note that bookings are a must during peak seasons.
- La Terrasse27This vibey bar on the 10th floor of the Le Meridian hotel has rebranded in order to focus more on its array of fish dishes—great news for anyone who loves seafood. Grab a chilled glass of wine while watching the bustle of the Promenade des Anglais or the glittering Mediterranean below. I come for the rosé and charcuterie, and love sitting in the lounge area for more of a chill evening.
- Movida427If you love people-watching as much as I do, this charming terrace tapas bar is a happy hour must. It’s equally ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif—check out the extensive cocktail menu—or a coffee break. Order the aiguillettes de poisson (fish filets) and wander around with your glass in hand checking out the activity on the promenade below, or score a spot on one of the two small terraces to catch an epic sunset.
- Bella Ciela Nice Bar & Rooftop38An Insta-worthy makeover gives this pretty-in-pink bar a whimsical air, making it a favourite place to bring fellow travelling friends. I love the gorgeous views of the city’s rooftops—including the Notre Dame Basilica—as the sun starts to sink below the horizon. The service can be slow, but just sit back and enjoy that laissez-faire lifestyle. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, check this place out in the morning for a coffee and pastry.
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Nice travel advice
Reliability and Availability
According to forum posts, Nice offers reliable public transportation with buses, trams, and trains frequently available. Some travelers mentioned the Lignes dAzur and SNCF Connect apps as useful tools for real-time scheduling and route planning.
Coverage and Specific Services
Travelers have called out the extensive coverage of the bus and tram network by Lignes dAzur, which connects various parts of the city and surrounding regions. Specific bus routes like the #82 and #100, and tram services provide efficient connections to popular destinations including Eze and Monaco.
Cost and Tickets
For many users, public transport in Nice is considered affordable. Recent updates indicate that single bus tickets cost €1.70, with various pass options like a 1-day pass for €7 and a 7-day pass for €20. Tickets can be purchased via apps, at stations, or directly from bus drivers.
Strikes and Disruptions
It's important to note occasional disruptions due to strikes, impacting the availability of services on certain days.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Beach Type and Location
According to forum posts, the beaches in Nice are predominantly made up of large smooth rocks known as galets and are not sandy. Travelers have called out that these beaches can be uncomfortable without proper footwear like rock shoes.
Beach Alternatives Nearby
For many users seeking sandy beaches, alternatives near Nice include the beaches at Villefranche-sur-Mer, which offer a mix of sand and small gravel, and Juan-les-Pins in Antibes, known for its sandy stretches. These locations are favored for their more comfortable beach experience and are accessible via short train or bus rides from Nice.
Child-Friendly Options
Some travelers suggested that Villefranche-sur-Mer is also more suitable for children due to its gentler and shallower waters compared to the steep and quickly deepening waters off Nice’s beaches.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Food and Drink Options
According to forum posts, Nice Airport offers a variety of dining options, particularly in Terminal 2. Travelers can find small restaurants, fast food outlets, and places serving sandwiches and drinks. There is also a Jamie's Italian for those wanting a hot meal, although it is described as somewhat mundane. Additionally, a cake and coffee stand before security is recommended for being better and cheaper than options available airside.
Shopping and Waiting Areas
Forum contributions suggest that the airport includes shops where essentials like SIM cards can be purchased upon arrival. For those waiting at the airport, there are cafes available, although they are typically priced as per usual airport standards. The airport also provides free unlimited public Wi-Fi, which is useful for travelers wanting to work or stay connected.
General Experience
Travelers have called out the cleanliness and crowd management at the airport, describing an overall good experience. Check-in processes might be slow due to trainees, but security checks are reported to be quick and staff friendly.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Areas for First-Time Visitors
According to forum posts, the Le Carré d'Or area in the city center is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Nice. This area is described as a rectangular zone encompassing Ave Jean Médecin, Bd Victor Hugo, Bd Gambetta, and the Promenade, well-serviced by trams and offering a variety of hotels for all budgets.
Considerations for Nightlife and Quietness
Some travelers said that the Old Town is favored for its proximity to nightlife and cultural sites, but it can be noisy, especially at night due to the echo of sounds in the narrow streets filled with restaurants and bars. For those seeking quieter options, areas like the Musiciens district up to Place Mozart are suggested for their less central but still accessible location with quieter surroundings.
Accessibility and Convenience
Travelers have called out Central Nice for its convenience regarding transportation. It is noted for easy access to trams, buses, and the beach, making it ideal for those who plan on exploring the city extensively or using Nice as a base for day trips along the Côte d'Azur.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Beach Accessibility
Some travelers mentioned that Nice offers designated handiplages with amenities for wheelchair users, including special wheelchairs for entering the sea. However, one user noted that the handiplage in Nice is more suited for sitting by the sea rather than entering it, suggesting Antibes as a better option for water access.
Transportation and Tours
According to forum posts, public transport such as buses and trains in Nice are accessible, but navigating through aisles with a wheelchair might be challenging. Some users recommended contacting the local transport authority for more specific assistance. Additionally, companies offer guided day trips tailored for wheelchair users, enhancing accessibility to various attractions.
City Navigation
Travelers have called out that certain areas in Nice, like the Promenade des Anglais, are equipped with ramps and are generally flat, making them easier for wheelchair navigation. However, some parts of the Old Town may present challenges due to uneven pavements and narrow streets.
Accommodation Tips
Forum posts suggest checking with potential hotels regarding their accessibility features, such as the presence of lifts and the availability of rooms catering to reduced mobility, to ensure a comfortable stay.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Card and Contactless Payments
According to forum posts, card payments, including contactless methods, are widely accepted in Nice. Travelers have noted that virtually all shops and restaurants accept cards, with contactless being the norm. However, there are a few exceptions, particularly some smaller or traditional establishments that might only accept cash.
Cash Usage
Some travelers mentioned that while card payments are prevalent, carrying some cash is advisable. Cash is particularly useful in smaller shops, outdoor markets, or in the occasional restaurant that operates on a cash-only basis. It's been noted to keep smaller denominations handy as larger bills can sometimes be difficult to use for smaller transactions.
ATM Accessibility
For those needing cash, ATMs are readily available throughout Nice, including at the airport. Users have suggested using bank-owned ATMs for better security and potentially lower fees compared to independent machines.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Group-Friendly Dining Options
According to forum posts, LAcchiardo is recommended for its private room suitable for group dining, offering great food and service. The restaurant is noted for fitting within a budget of around €50 per person, making it a viable option for groups looking for a mid-range dining experience.
Additional Group Dining Recommendations
Travelers have also mentioned Le Frog as a busy, unpretentious local restaurant that can accommodate groups. It is located close to Cour Saleya and Prom, offering typical French dishes. For those interested in Lebanese cuisine, Le Cèdre is well-regarded and capable of handling groups, with many dishes designed for two or more diners.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Coastal Path Concerns
According to forum posts, the coastal path between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, known as Sentier du Littoral, is partially marked and can be challenging to navigate without a downloaded map. Some travelers mentioned that the path features uneven cobblestone terrain and requires proper footwear due to steep steps and rises.
Alternative Routes
For those looking for different routes, some users suggested taking the pavement beside the road which provides easier navigation and possibly better views. Another option discussed is the route through Parc du Mont Boron, which offers scenic views due to its elevation but involves more hill climbing.
Transport Back to Nice
Travelers have called out the convenience of returning to Nice by train or bus. The train from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Nice is quick, taking about 5 minutes and costing approximately €2.10. Alternatively, the bus route #15 is also available for the return journey.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?